Multiple holds will keep prime suspect behind bars

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Prosecutor Bill Nash said today he's in no hurry to rush forward with formal criminal charges in the Waynesville quadruple murder case, although he confirmed that 55-year-old Samuel E. Sallee of Columbus has become the "prime suspect" in the case. "As long as there is no risk to public safety, it's wise to take advantage of the freedom to complete our investigation before rushing to judgment," Nash said.

Sallee was identified Monday night by Bartholomew County Sheriff Mark Gorbett as “the prime and only suspect at this time” in the May 11 shooting deaths of four people inside a private home at 2634 E. Main Cross St., in Waynesville.

"There's no reason to hold a press conference and pat ourselves on the back," Nash said at midday. "In my entire career, I've always done what I thought was in the best interest of justice rather than short-term public relations. To me, the best public relations is to do a good job."

Nash said more evidence can be gathered in the case, and there's no risk of Sallee getting out of jail anytime soon. Sallee is in Brown County jail awaiting a July 17 trial on a separate battery-resulting-in-injury case. He has a federal U.S. Marshal's hold attached to his name, described by Brown County Jail Commander Tony Sciscoe as open-ended.

The hold is the result of a federal indictment of Sallee for illegally possessing a firearm. Federal and local law enforcement officers found Sallee to have possessed a Ruger model 10/22 .22 caliber rifle, serial number 157425, on May 14, according to a media release from U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney. Sallee is not legally permitted to possess a firearm because of his prior felony convictions, the release added.

Read more details in Wednesday's edition of The Republic and The Tribune.